Semaglutide & GLP-1 Weight Loss FAQs

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. It makes you feel full sooner and reduces cra...

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your body naturally makes after you eat. It helps control blood sugar, slows how quickly food leaves your stomac...

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide , but they are FDA‑approved for different uses and typically follow different dosing schedules. Ozempic is approv...

Zepbound contains tirzepatide (a GLP‑1/GIP medication) while Wegovy contains semaglutide (a GLP‑1 medication). Some people lose more weight on tirzepatide in...

Most programs follow FDA guidelines: adults with a BMI of 30+ (obesity) or BMI of 27+ with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hig...

Yes. While Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy (also semaglutide) is approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesi...

Many people with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance and appetite regulation. GLP‑1 medications may help with weight loss and metabolic health for some pat...

Hormonal changes can make weight loss harder, but many patients still see meaningful results with GLP‑1 therapy when paired with nutrition, strength training...

Semaglutide can improve blood sugar and help with weight loss, which may reduce the risk of progressing from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. Eligibility depe...

In large clinical trials, patients on semaglutide 2.4 mg (the Wegovy dose) lost an average of 15–20% of their starting body weight over about 68 weeks when c...

Most people notice smaller portions and reduced snacking within the first few weeks at the starting dose. Visible weight loss often begins within 4–8 weeks a...

Plateaus and slow loss are common. Reasons include: not reaching an effective dose yet, hidden calories/liquid calories, low protein, poor sleep, stress, or...

A plateau is when weight stalls despite ongoing effort. Breaking it usually involves tightening nutrition (protein, portions), increasing steps/strength trai...

Many people regain some weight after stopping GLP‑1 therapy, especially if appetite returns and lifestyle changes are not sustainable. Some programs use a ma...

Many people see improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and other cardiometabolic markers as they lose weight. The medication may also improve blood sug...

Semaglutide is typically used as a long‑term treatment . Studies show that stopping the medication abruptly can lead to regaining some or all of the lost wei...

For weight loss, semaglutide is usually taken as a once‑weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre‑filled pen into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Some clin...

If you miss a dose and it has been less than 5 days since your scheduled injection, most guidelines say you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember,...

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, but they are approved for different indications and use different dosing schedules. Switching may be possible, b...

Most programs start at a low dose and gradually increase every 4 weeks to reduce side effects. This “titration” phase helps your body adapt and is one reason...

A maintenance dose is the ongoing dose you stay on once the ramp‑up phase is complete. Not everyone needs (or tolerates) the maximum dose to see results. Man...

Semaglutide is injected under the skin (subcutaneous) most commonly in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Many programs recommend rotating injection sites wee...

Storage depends on the brand and whether a pen is opened. Many pens are refrigerated before first use, then may be stored at room temperature for a limited p...

The most common side effects are GI related : nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and sometimes heartburn or bloating. These usually improve as your bo...

Semaglutide is not appropriate for everyone. It is usually not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)...

Semaglutide has been studied for several years in clinical trials and is FDA‑approved for chronic use in both diabetes (Ozempic) and weight management (Wegov...

Compounded semaglutide is prepared by a compounding pharmacy instead of being manufactured as a branded drug like Ozempic or Wegovy. It can sometimes be more...

Most semaglutide weight loss doctors order basic labs before starting treatment—often including A1C, fasting glucose, kidney and liver function, lipids, and...

Often yes, but it depends on the specific medications and your health conditions. Because semaglutide can slow stomach emptying, it may affect how some oral...

Hair shedding can happen during rapid weight loss (telogen effluvium), regardless of the medication. It’s usually related to calorie reduction, protein intak...

Nausea is common early on and usually improves. Helpful steps include smaller meals, avoiding greasy foods, eating slowly, staying hydrated, and focusing on...

GLP‑1 medications can slow digestion, which may cause constipation. Increasing water intake, adding fiber gradually, walking daily, and using magnesium or st...

Costs vary widely depending on whether you use brand‑name medications (Ozempic, Wegovy), compounded semaglutide, your insurance coverage, and the clinic’s pr...

Insurance coverage depends on your plan and the specific medication. Some plans cover Wegovy for weight management if you meet BMI and health criteria; other...

In many cases, yes. Because semaglutide is a prescription medication used to treat obesity and related conditions, program costs and prescription copays may...

Prior authorization is when your insurance requires extra documentation before approving coverage. GLP‑1 medications for weight loss often require it. Your p...

Sometimes. Manufacturers may offer savings programs for eligible patients, but rules change often and may depend on commercial insurance. Clinics can help yo...

Most programs start with a detailed intake visit, then follow‑ups every 4–12 weeks depending on your progress and any side effects. Early on, you may have mo...

Yes. Semaglutide makes it easier to eat less and feel full, but it works best when paired with healthier food choices and regular movement. Most weight loss...

Many patients can drink alcohol in moderation while taking semaglutide, but it depends on your overall health, liver function, and other medications. Alcohol...

Any weight loss can include some lean mass. The best way to protect muscle is to eat enough protein and do resistance training 2–4 times per week. Many Atlan...

Most people do best with higher protein, high‑fiber foods, and smaller meals. A simple approach is: protein + produce at each meal, limit ultra‑processed sna...

Some people can, but it isn’t required and may worsen nausea or make it hard to hit protein targets. Many patients find semaglutide naturally reduces grazing...

Yes—exercise is encouraged and often improves results. Start with walking and light resistance training and build up as your energy improves. If you feel diz...

In many cases, yes. Many Atlanta and Georgia providers now offer telehealth for consultations, follow‑ups, and prescription management. Some still require at...

No. Our network serves patients across all of Metro Atlanta —including Buckhead , Midtown , Sandy Springs , Marietta , Alpharetta , Decatur , Dunwoody , Rosw...

After you submit your information, many patients are contacted within 24–48 hours. Start timing depends on appointment availability, labs, and medication acc...

We serve Metro Atlanta including Atlanta , Buckhead , Midtown , Sandy Springs , Marietta , Alpharetta , Roswell , Dunwoody , Decatur , Johns Creek , Smyrna ,...